Tuesday 17 August 2010
New course to open doors for media creatives
The course will combine study with work experience in commercial media companies
Dynamic media creatives are being recruited for an innovative new course which aims to provide a practical route to sought-after design, media and interactive jobs. Nottingham Trent University, in conjunction with the Nottingham Skillset Media Academy, is looking for the region's most talented students and practitioners to undertake the Media Creatives Foundation Degree, which begins in September.
The two-year course will combine study with work experience in commercial media companies across the East Midlands, aiming to prepare students for a range of sectors including film and television, 3D animation, web, game and interactive design, theatre, sound, props and costume.
The course structure has been developed with the advice of media industry professionals and is being supported by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media and East Midlands screen agency EM Media. The Nottingham Skillset Media Academy has championed its development and it will be delivered via its members – Nottingham Trent University, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies and New College Nottingham.
Students will divide their time between full time study at academy institutions and a host employer, where they will be required to produce a series of reports, negotiated projects, and a research study.
After the course they will have the option of undertaking a further year of study on an appropriate undergraduate programme in order to obtain a BA degree – or may wish to continue in industry as a result of the strong commercial links they will have gained through the course.
The course leader for FdA Media Creatives at Nottingham Trent University, Andy Love, said: "This course is a really exciting opportunity for students to learn cutting edge skills and understanding within a dynamic mix of industry and educational environments. Focusing on the latest digital production and communication methods we aim to develop individuals who will become key players in the rapidly developing world of digital media creation."
Professor Chris White, the Director of Nottingham Skillset Media Academy and the head of interactive arts at Nottingham Trent University, added: "This new foundation degree has developed from the unique collaboration of Nottingham Trent University, New College Nottingham, and the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies.
"It has been developed with employers and takes into consideration the need for skills and degree level thinking by using innovative ways of teaching and learning that has made this partnership of Nottingham Skillset Media Academy a beacon for learning in the creative and cultural industries."
Stuart Thomas, Head of Regional and Local Programming at BBC East Midlands, which will be offering opportunities to students on the course, said: "I'm delighted that BBC East Midlands is involved in something that will increase the development of Nottingham and the region as a creative centre. The Skillset Media Academy covers an impressive range of subject areas from traditional media to many exciting new areas and it's fantastic to see Nottingham leading the way in these industries."
Notes to editors:
More information on the Media Creatives Foundation Degree.
The Nottingham Skillset Media Academy comprises of Nottingham Trent University, New College Nottingham, Confetti and Broadway Cinema and Media Centre. The academy enables students from different backgrounds to engage with media education in Nottingham and develop skills and creativity throughout the city.
For more information visit the Nottingham Skillset Media Academy website, telephone +44 (0)115 848 2813 or email.
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media, with responsibility for 60 percent of the UK Creative Industries. This comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion and textiles. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenges by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Senior Press Officer, Nottingham Trent University, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782 or via email, or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, Nottingham Trent University, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774 or via email.
